Kepler Motors Motion world debut in UAE

Kepler Motors, founded by American racer Russ Wicks, unveiled its Motion concept supercar at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show.

I actually had an interesting chat at the auto show with the project manager. The Motion is being developed from the ground up by a team of hand-picked design engineers, aerodynamicists, product development, and manufacturing specialists, working on tech such as active suspension, active aerodynamics, launch control and a programmable track assistant system.

The Kepler-designed Motion will be built on a dedicated platform, with all-wheel-drive “Dual Powertrain Technology” putting down 800 hp. Power comes from a modified 550 hp Ford EcoBoost twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 driving the rear wheels, acting independently from a 250 hp electric motor driving the front wheels. This unique AWD system is theoretically capable of 0-100 kph in 2.5 seconds with a top speed over 320 kph.

The lightweight Motion features carbon-fibre composite materials for its monocoque chassis and body. The strong structure provides a two-seater cabin, fully outfitted with luxury items such as leather, navigation and even a GPS-based lap timer.

The Motion uses StopTech carbon-ceramic brake rotors, already visible on the displayed concept. Front brakes have six-piston calipers, while the rear are four-piston ones. Front wheels are 19-inch alloys, while the rears are 20-inch wider ones. A 7-speed paddle-shifted automatic will be standard, and the supplier is yet to be decided.

Only 50 Kepler Motion supercars will ever be produced, hand-assembled and with deliveries starting in 2011. Pricing will likely be close to a million dollars.

Photos by Faisal Khatib.